Making a living from teaching yoga is a dream for many, but figuring out how to turn that dream into reality can be challenging. The good news is that it’s entirely possible! Here are five essential things you need to know to turn your passion for yoga into a sustainable career.

1. It’s Possible – It’s a Job Like Any Other

First and foremost, making a living from teaching yoga is possible. People might give you strange looks when you say you’re a yoga teacher, assuming you have a wealthy family or partner supporting you. The truth is, with dedication and hard work, you can earn a decent living from yoga, just like any other profession.

For any job, you have to study, find a job, or create one for yourself if you prefer to be an entrepreneur. You test things out, realize what you are good at, and take continuing education courses to improve. You need to treat being a yoga teacher seriously. Commit to it, and understand that it’s a job where you must develop your skills continuously.

Additionally, do your math. At your current rate, how many classes would you need to teach to make a good living? Is that feasible for you? If you’re already online and selling a $27 mini-course, how many clients would you need every month to reach your desired income? If it’s too many, can you create higher-priced offerings?

2. Don’t Wait to Have More Experience or Certificates

As a new yoga teacher, it’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of needing more experience or certificates before you start. However, the best way to gain experience is by jumping in and starting now. Every class you teach is an opportunity to learn and grow.

I’ve attended classes taught by newly certified yoga teachers who are better than some teachers with over ten years of experience. I’ve also taken online courses from people without official coaching certifications but who achieve amazing results for their clients. Don’t let the fear of not being “qualified enough” hold you back. The sooner you start, the faster you’ll gain the experience and confidence you need.

As I discussed with the yoga teachers in my 6-month program Elevate this week, sometimes quantity is better than quality. Imagine the experience and skills you will have if you launch 20 offers instead of two. You will know when people buy the most, what you have to say to activate people to buy, and the best times to release a bonus. Every class is an opportunity to gain more confidence, experience, and skills. Perfection is the enemy of progress. Instead of looking for a new certificate, teach, create, and help others with what you already have and know.

3. Feeling Alone in a Competitive Field

Teaching yoga can sometimes feel lonely, especially in a competitive environment. It’s crucial to find and build a supportive community of like-minded yoga teachers. Connect with others, share experiences, and support each other’s growth.

Imagine having other yoga teachers sharing with you how their class went, how they created their last workshop, or their online courses. Being in an environment with people like you is priceless. There are plenty of online communities where you can connect with other yoga teachers. Your journey doesn’t have to be a solo one.

4. The Reality vs. Instagram Fantasy

One of the biggest misconceptions about being a yoga teacher is that it’s all about leading a few classes and lounging on the beach. Instagram often portrays a fantasy that doesn’t match reality. The truth is, teaching yoga requires a lot of hard work and hustle.

The reality of a yoga teacher’s life can be vastly different depending on what you choose to do. Do you want to be an employee, have your own business, or do both? Do you want to teach only in person, only online, or a mix of both? Growing your own business is a lot of work, but it will also be the thing you are most proud of. Remember that you are the one who decides what you want to create for your life.

5. Grow Your Own Business

If you don’t learn how to market and sell your own offerings, you’ll always be growing someone else’s business and bank account. Just like you learned how to teach a yoga class, you need to invest time in learning how to market yourself and sell your offerings. This is what will give you the freedom and financial independence you’re looking for.

Investing time in learning business skills is essential. This includes understanding your niche, creating compelling offers, and knowing how to communicate the value of what you offer. It’s also important to be adaptable and open to feedback. The business side of yoga is just as important as the teaching side if you want to make a sustainable living.

Conclusion

Living from teaching yoga is not only possible, but it’s also a fulfilling and rewarding career. Start where you are, create your first offering, build your community, and focus on growing your own business one step at a time. With dedication and the right mindset, you can achieve your dream of making a sustainable income from teaching yoga.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Keep showing up, and you’ll get there. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Your dream of living from teaching yoga is within reach. Keep going!

By focusing on these five key areas, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful and sustainable career as a yoga teacher.